Newcastle could sign £12.5m ‘animal’ in next 48hrs after missing training

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United are aiming to conclude their transfer for Kieran Trippier within the next 48-hours after the defender missed training with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday morning.

That’s according to The Northern Echo, who note Trippier has now said his goodbyes to the Colchoneros’ squad and staff. He will travel to England for his medical, with the Toon aiming to announce the 31-year-old’s capture before the weekend.

Atletico gave Trippier permission to skip training as Diego Simeone’s side prepared for their Copa del Rey last 32 tie. He is unlikely to feature at Rayo Majadahonda on Thursday, with Sunday’s La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano possibly the full-back’s 86th and final outing.

Simeone adamantly wanted Trippier to remain in Madrid, but Atletico accepted it would be wrong to keep the Newcastle transfer target against his will. He sought a return to England to be closer to his family, who did not move to Spain with him.

Newcastle will pay Atletico Madrid €15m (£12.5m) for Trippier’s transfer, but the fee could yet rise significantly through add-ons. He will also have a relegation clause in the defender’s contract to enable a move away in the summer should the Magpies fail to avoid relegation.

Howe set to sign Atletico’s ‘defensive animal’ Trippier in first Newcastle transfer

Eddie Howe will not be expected to hand Trippier his Newcastle debut against Cambridge United on Saturday, even if he completes his transfer from Atletico Madrid in time.

Instead, the Toon target may debut against Watford in a crucial six-pointer for their Premier League survival hopes. Newcastle sit two-points behind the 17th-place Hornets, having also played one game more. But the Vicarage Road outfit are now on a six-game losing streak.

Howe will be desperate to shut Watford out and see Trippier get his likely Newcastle career off to a great start once his transfer from Atletico Madrid is finalised. Adding a long-sought new right-back to the St James’ ranks, who will also want to regain his England role.

Despite Gareth Southgate lauding Trippier as a ‘defensive animal’, via The Guardian, he only started at right-back three times for England last year over 10 appearances from 19 games.